Genetics

Synthetic biologists aim to transform the world with manmade organisms. What will it take to get there?

A Chinese scientist engineered kids to resist HIV. Here are other changes that could be on the feature list for Humanity 2.0.

Sequencing services for pets may shed light on human aging, allergies, and mental health.

Gene tests for antidepressants are going mainstream — and getting more confusing. Here’s a guide.

Soon, precision medicine could help you avoid expensive, risky procedures that you may not need.

A new epigenetic test that tracks molecular aging claims to show you how to stay biologically young.

Newly discovered variants let women predict their fertility — and overall health.

The first company to offer whole genome sequencing for free can build the most valuable advertising engine in the world.

A CRISPR startup rewrites tiny mutations instead of cutting and pasting entire genes.

Genes play a refreshingly limited role in Carl Zimmer’s new book about heredity.

I am not afraid of the prospect of editing human genes. If we do it thoughtfully, it can be a gift to future generations.

Jargon from the pre-genomics era blinds us to new possibilities.

If you’ve been waiting to get your genome sequenced, will a virtual token really make you change your mind?

A thriller about cloning, gene editing, and bioengineering is the perfect show for our times.

Leroy Hood, pioneer of systems biology, is trying to upend medicine with a service that tests everything about you.